The Upper Freehold Regional School District (UFRSD) is proud to present the following six Inter-district Public School Choice programs for the 2018-2019 school year:

Agricultural Science Academy

Arts Academy

Engineering Academy

Tomorrow's Teachers Academy

Academy of Public and International Affairs

Academy of Advanced Math and Algebra

The Upper Freehold Regional School District Choice Program has 26 total seatsavailable for any of the following programs and grade levels.

Please view the table below to see which grade levels are associated with each program. Additionally, see the descriptions of each academy further down the page.

Academy

Grade Levels, School

Range of Seats available

Agricultural Science Academy

9-12, Allentown High School

3-8

Arts Academy (High School)

9-12, Allentown High School

3-8

Arts Academy (Middle School)

7-8, Stone Bridge Middle School

1-5

Engineering Academy

9-12, Allentown High School

3-8

Tomorrow's Teachers Academy

9-12. Allentown High School

3-12

Academy of Public & International Affairs

9-12, Allentown High School

3-5

Advanced Math Academy

5-8, Stone Bridge Middle School

1-7

Agricultural Science Academy

Program Description

The award-winning agricultural science program at Allentown High School offers excellent opportunities for students to pursue vital and exciting career paths in the growing and important field of agriculture. The courses available through the program include plant science, animal science, veterinary and equine studies, aquaculture, greenhouse, nursery and landscape management, agricultural mechanics, bio-technology and a cooperative agricultural experience with a professional in the community.

Students in the agricultural science program also have the opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized Allentown High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA is the only national youth organization to be chartered and mandated by federal legislation and is recognized by Congress as an integral part of agricultural education. The FFA program provides the real world experience associated with classroom theory and instruction. It makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for career success through opportunities for leadership, public speaking and cooperative problem-solving.

Admission into the Agricultural Science Program would be based on the submission and evaluation of the following:

Letter of Interest explaining why you want to be a part of the program - see Rubric.

Letter or Recommendation from Teacher or Community Member who knows you well.

Grade of "B" or better in Science

Attendance rate of at least 90%

School Transcript

Most recent standardized test scores

Group interview at high school

Students not meeting the minimum requirements outlined above can request a meeting to explain their interest in the program and any experience related to the field of agriculture.

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

Arts Academy

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students with demonstrated passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas:

Instrumental Music

Vocal Music

Theater

Dance

Visual Art

Video Production

The program at Stone Bridge Middle School is for students with passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas:

Instrumental Music

Vocal Music

Theater

Visual Art

Course sequences in each of the areas have been specifically designed to broaden student's artistic understanding and enhance their ability to perform, create, critique and compose. In addition, the academy offers students numerous opportunities beyond the school day to perform for a live audience or to present their work in adjudicated competitions.

Admission into the Arts Academy will be based on the evaluation of a portfolio for Visual Art and Video Production and/or an audition for Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theater and Dance. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

Engineering Academy

Program Description

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy is designed to prepare students with skills and understandings from coursework leading to a career in engineering or engineering technology.

The Allentown High School Engineering Academy uses Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized curriculum that is rigorous, interactive and process based. It also provides students with the opportunity to explore and experience engineering through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to subjects that apply the math and science learned in traditional courses, and provides them with a strong foundation for achieving their academic goals. Students will experience an educational program that is challenging and relevant to their lives, and has established a proven path to college and career success in STEM related fields.

The Engineering Academy also offers students the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Robotics Challenge, Panasonic Creative Design Challenge, and a variety of competitive events sponsored by the Technology Student Association. Through a partnership with the Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst, NJ, students will have the opportunity to learn about naval air engineering from experienced Aerospace Engineers.

Admission into the Engineering Academy would be based on the submission and evaluation of the following:

Letter of Interest explaining why they want to be a part of the program

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

Tomorrow's Teachers Academy

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is designed for those students who feel they may be called to serve this world as future educators. The program will provide them with the knowledge and practical experience to confirm their calling and to prepare them to pursue teacher education programs at the collegiate level. All students accepted into the program will have automatic membership in the New Jersey Future Educators' Association and will be able to participate in NJFEA conferences and service projects. The program's sequence of courses and experiences is outlined below by grade level. It culminates with an education course students may take for college credit and with a supervised internship in a K-12 classroom.

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

Academy of Public and International Affairs

Program Description

This Allentown High School program is focused on preparing students to be active citizens and effective leaders who have the knowledge and practical experience to make a difference in their community and in the world. Internships and field experience would combine with in-class work in public policy, economics, domestic politics, and international relations. All students would participate in community service, and all students would be actively involved in using the political process to bring about some change in their world. Students interested in the program would be asked to submit an application including:

A transcript documenting an "A" average for courses in Social Students and English

Most recent standardized test scores

A teacher recommendation

A list of community service interest and involvements

Additionally, students would come for an interview (see Interview Rubric) in which they would be asked to reflect on their achievements, challenges and goals as well as on issues of importance of them locally or globally. Students would also be asked to read an article provided by the district and respond to it in writing. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

Academy of Advanced Mathematics and Algebra

Program Description

The Advanced Mathematics program at Stone Bridge Middle School is designed for students in grades 5-8 with a demonstrated readiness to learn math at a faster pace and to experience a variety of engaging math challenges. The Advanced Level Math or ALM classes meet every day in grades 5-7 and cover the grade level curriculum. In grade 5, the classes use the Envisions Mathematics Program published by Scott-Foresman. In grades 6 and 7, the classes use Glencoe's Mathematics: Applications and Concepts, Course 1 and 2 respectively. By moving through the curriculum at a faster pace, additional time is then devoted to rigorous and engaging math problems or experiences that extend students' thinking and challenge them to apply their mathematical understanding to novel situations.

The Algebra class in grade 8 is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to pursue mathematics at an accelerated level. These students take Algebra I in lieu of the regular grade 8 mathematics curriculum. The algebra textbook was published in 2010 by Glencoe. Students who successfully complete Algebra I in grade 8 typically enroll in Honors Geometry in grade 9.

In selecting students for the ALM program, the district will look carefully at the recommendation from the prior grade's teacher and at the following measures:

Overall math grade from the prior year

End-of-course math assessment

Commercially developed problem-solving test

Most recent standardized test scores

A student's performance on each of the measures is assigned a point value. Those students scoring above a particular threshold are placed in the program. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

In selecting students for the 8th grade Algebra program, we look carefully at the recommendation from the seventh grade teacher and at the following measures:

Overall grade in 7th grade mathematics

End-of-course math assessment

Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test

Most recent standardized test score

A student's performance on each of the measures is assigned a point value. Those students scoring above a particular threshold are placed in the program. If more non-resident students qualify for the program than the number of spaces available, the district will conduct a random lottery.

Please look for more information about the program and the selection process on our district website.

Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2018, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Proceduresfor Choice students.

District Choice Policies

Yes/No

a. The district accepts Tier 2 students.

Yes

b. The district gives enrollment preference to students who have siblings currently attending the choice district.

Yes

c. If currently in a formal sending/receiving or constituent relationship with a choice district, the district gives enrollment preference to choice students who have completed the terminal grade of the sending district.

Not applicable

d. If a resident student moves out of the district after the choice student application deadline and chooses to continue attending school in the district for the remainder of the school year, the district will allow the student to continue as an unfunded choice student in the subsequent school year.